Juris Doctor Class of 2025 graduates to share exceptional talents with Manitoba community
The Faculty of Law celebrated the achievements of its Juris Doctor Class of 2025 at Spring Convocation. One-hundred and two students completed their undergraduate legal studies at Robson Hall this year. To share a glimpse of who they are, we shone an Instagram spotlight on a few of them just prior to their June 4th convocation day. Here is a compilation of the student profiles.
Mary-Charlet Lathlin
Mary-Charlet Lathlin, Juris Doctor Class of 2025
Mary-Charlet started in the legal profession as a legal assistant. A lawyer she worked with encouraged her to go to law school, and once she got into Robson Hall, she knew she was on the right path. In her third year of law school, she was the inaugural winner of the Wolseley Law LLP Award for Student Clinical Excellence, recognizing a law student who has excelled in a clinical opportunity at the Faculty of Law. MC will be articling with Legal Aid Manitoba in Winnipeg. (Republished from Instagram).
What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school?
I wish I knew that it is normal to feel unsure at first and that most students experience imposter syndrome. Law school is a learning curve, and no one expects perfection. Building support systems early on makes a big difference.
What is your favourite memory of Robson Hall?
The Kawaskimhon Moot stands out as my favourite memory. It was incredible to see our team represent Indigenous perspectives while connecting with students from across Canada. Our professors were supportive throughout, which made the experience even more meaningful.
What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or someone considering going to Robson Hall?
Stay grounded in your reason for coming to law school. Your “why” will carry you through. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out mentorship. Robson Hall has a strong community if you’re willing to lean into it.
Kassandra (Kassie) Taverner
Kassandra (Kassie) Taverner, Juris Doctor Class of 2025
Kassie took a gap year after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree at UM (Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology) to figure out her next steps. She spent some time as an artist until ultimately choosing law due to its ability to make meaningful positive change and because it would allow her to continuously learn about a great variety of things. Kassie will be articling at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman in Winnipeg. (Republished from Instagram).
What was your favourite class in law school?
The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic provided me with many unique opportunities to develop as a future lawyer. I attended conferences, made legal education presentations for the public as well as provided free legal assistance to Manitobans. It was a privilege and an incredibly valuable experience to get outside the formal classroom.
What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school?
I wish I knew how quickly law school flies by. I don’t have any serious regrets about my time in law school, but there were moments I could have made better use of my time. Be mindful to make the most of your time!
What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or person considering going to Robson Hall?
While good grades are important, I would argue that the things you do outside the classroom including volunteering, participating in law contests like the mini moot, and attending networking events can be just as critical to not only finding an articling position, but also to figuring out your legal interests and to making the most of your limited time in law school. It goes by faster than you would think, so get involved early and seize the day! But most importantly, remember to maintain balance by taking care of yourself and making time for your loved ones.
Humaira Jaleel
Humaira Jaleel, Juris Doctor Class of 2025
Before starting law school, Humaira spent several years working in the nonprofit world, focusing on community development and supporting refugee and newcomer families through an organization she founded, Healthy Muslim Families. Her journey has always been about helping people find their footing in a new country and over time she realized that understanding the law could help her do even more by becoming a stronger advocate for those facing systemic barriers. She will be articling with Bassi Kwilu in Winnipeg.(Republished from Instagram).
What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school?
Before starting Law school, I wish I knew someone who had recently been to Robson Hall. It would have reduced some stress of restarting school in a new country after almost two decades.
What is your favourite memory of Robson Hall?
My favourite memory of Robson Hall is the final exercise in the Introduction to Advocacy course, which took place in the courtroom. It gave me a profound sense of confidence and clarity about my path forward in law.
What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or person considering going to Robson Hall?
Embrace every opportunity to learn and connect—both inside and outside the classroom. Robson Hall is a great place to get a law degree, not just because of the strong academic foundation, but also because of the supportive community that helps you grow into the kind of lawyer you want to be.
Jeremy Tran
Jeremy Tran, Juris Doctor Class of 2025
Jeremy obtained a Bachelor of General Science with a focus in Microbiology and Biology from UM. He decided to go to law school because he wanted to make an impact and he knew that law would teach him analytical and problem-solving skills that would open many doors in the future. Jeremy will be articling at Pitblado Law in Winnipeg.(Republished from Instagram).
What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school?
Everything’s going to work out! Exams can be stressful, the job recruit can definitely be stressful, and managing your life outside of school can get stressful, but at the end of the day, you’ll get through it and everything will work out! Robson Hall is filled with amazing students, professors, and staff, and everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand.
What is your favourite memory of Robson Hall?
My favourite memories of Robson Hall were all the times I got to hang out with my friends, whether it was studying together, curling every Friday, or at the Carbolic Smoke Ball. It was carpooling with my friends to school every day, hanging out in the Common Room during our breaks, and organizing events as part of the committees and student groups that I was a part of. I will always remember the friends I made at Robson!
What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or person considering going to Robson Hall?
It would be to soak it all in. Law school flies by and it feels like just yesterday I was in Legal Methods learning what a case brief was or how to write a memo. Get to know your classmates, join student groups and committees, go out to social events, and HAVE FUN.
Emily Palmer
Emily Palmer, Juris Doctor Class of 2025
Emily received a Bachelor of Arts degree (2019) from the University of Manitoba, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Women and Gender Studies. She went on to complete her Master of Journalism degree at the University of British Columbia (2022). During her time at UBC, she would often hear stories involving injustice in communities, and decided law school would allow her to go beyond writing stories and instead focus on advocacy work. Emily will be articling at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman in Winnipeg. (Republished from Instagram).
What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school?
Before attending law school, I wish someone told me that it is okay to be imperfect. Law school is hard, and it challenges students in more ways than just academically. Students are graded in comparison to their colleagues, so it can create an environment rich in pressure and competition. I wish that someone had reminded me to anticipate setbacks and to appreciate the lessons that law school has to offer.
What is your favourite memory of Robson Hall?
Looking back, I admit that law school was hard; there were many moments of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and feelings of failure. But I also experienced moments of feeling like I do belong in this profession and that I will make a great lawyer one day. My favourite memories at Robson Hall did not come from a single instance, but rather a string of experiences that led me to be proud of the person that I am today.
What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or person considering going to Robson Hall?
To future students who are interested in pursuing law school, I would advise that no path to becoming a lawyer is identical. It is important to believe in yourself and to trust your own unique journey that led you to becoming a lawyer. Everyone has a different reason for pursuing law, but above all, the one lesson I recommend is that you must remember your purpose. Always carry that with you as you navigate whichever professional journey you choose to embark on.
Jordan Wagner, Valedictorian
Jordan Wagner, Valedictorian, Juris Doctor Class of 2025
Jordan completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) at the University of Manitoba prior to law school. He was drawn to law for its potential to create a real and lasting impact on people’s lives, and provide the tools to make a difference. Jordan will be articling at Norton Rose Fulbright in Vancouver, and was selected by his classmates to be the class Valedictorian at graduation. (Republished from Instagram).
What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school?
That you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. Most of us didn’t. Law school is a steep learning curve, but you’re surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, and leaning on that support can make all the difference.
What is your favourite memory of Robson Hall?
Competing in the Intellectual Property Moot competition. I was grateful to have such a hard-working team and dedicated coaches. The opportunity to advocate in front of some of the best judges and litigators in the nation was truly a pleasure. I couldn’t be more proud of our success at the competition in Toronto.
What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or person considering going to Robson Hall?
Say yes to the opportunities that come up. Whether it’s through volunteering with Pro Bono Students Canada, joining student clubs, or taking on leadership roles, those experiences helped shape my time at Robson Hall, and I can’t imagine what law school would have looked like without them.
Read Jordan Wagner’s Valedictorian Speech for the Class of 2025.
Watch the video of his Valedictorian Speech on Robson Hall’s Youtube channel.